Opportunities to increasing dry season rice productivity in low temperature affected areas

Rice is a major source of food for more than 2.7 billion people and planted on nearly 130 million hectares in which 10% is subjected to low temperature problems. Dry season (DS) rice cropping has been expanding in the high altitude lands in Asia and the low temperature is one of constraints to rice production. This study aims to quantify the potential for growing irrigated rice in DS, particularly in high altitude areas in northern Lao PDR where temperatures are low and pose problems for seedling establishment. Research focused on identifying sowing times to avoid the detrimental effects of low temperature, the optimal seedling age for transplanting, the potential of plastic covers and half burnt paddy husk layer to protect nursery seedbeds from low temperature and varieties suitable for this environment. Studies were conducted over 5 years and were examined at six locations. In two locations, where temperature was favorable for rice production throughout the DS, time of sowing was not critical. In higher altitude areas in northern Lao PDR, however, low temperature caused establishment problems in nurseries. In these areas, mid-November sowing before the onset of winter reduced the low temperature effects on seedling establishment while sowing in mid winter (December and January) increased the risk of failure. There were no significant effects of seedling age (25-, 35- and 45-day old) for transplanting on yield for DS rice. Using clear plastic to cover the nursery increased minimum temperatures on average by about 4 °C, which improved seedling growth and resulted in higher grain yield. The mean minimum temperature of 12 °C for 30 days after seeding is critical and temperature below 12 °C resulted in high risk of crop failure due to poor germination, poor seedling growth or insufficient seedlings. Rice needs to be sown at times where the mean minimum temperature exceeds 12 °C or plastic covers are required to protect seedlings. The current popular varieties did not show significant tolerance to extreme cold temperature.